What’s Next for the Rolex 'Sprite' GMT: New Models or a Farewell?

Upon its release in 2022, the Rolex GMT-Master II ‘Sprite’ was one of the most unexpected and polarizing watches in Rolex’s lineup. A destro GMT-Master II with a left-hand crown and a 9 o’clock date window, it broke Rolex’s usual design conventions. Rolex has made left-handed watches in the past, including two destro GMT-Masters from the 1950s that surfaced at auction (Phillips 2018), but never as a regular production model. When the Sprite arrived, it sparked debate. Now, almost three years later, my question is: what will Rolex do with the Sprite next?

A Right-Handed Sprite GMT?

Rolex 'Sprite' GMT-Master II on Everest Curved-End Rubber Strap

One possibility is a traditional right-handed Sprite GMT. If Rolex is already producing the green and black Cerachrom bezel, a standard-crown version would be a natural addition. The existing model is available on both Jubilee and Oyster bracelets, as are most steel GMT-Master models, so I imagine those options would carry over. But what if the watch didn't come in steel?

A Two-Tone or Full Gold Sprite?

Another possibility is expanding the colorway into precious metals. Rolex typically does this the other way around: the black and gray GMT-Master II launched in gold and two-tone before full-steel the following year. The ceramic ‘Pepsi’ launched in white gold four years before the steel version. 

A two-tone or full-gold Sprite would be an anomaly in that regard, but a yellow gold GMT with a bi-color green and black bezel would be an instant hit. The combination would be reminiscent of the GMT-Master II 116718, the first GMT with a Cerachrom bezel.

Could Rolex Discontinue the Sprite?

Of course, Rolex could also do nothing. The destro Sprite remains an oddity in the catalog, and if it were discontinued, it would likely become a sought-after collector’s piece. I feel like enthusiast sentiment has shifted since its release, with initial skepticism giving way to appreciation. You may have a different perspective. To me, the question remains whether Rolex will expand the Sprite lineup or keep it as a one-off experiment.

What Will Rolex Do?

What Rolex ultimately decides remains a mystery, but any of these possibilities would be exciting. A yellow gold or two-tone Sprite—regardless of crown orientation—would be a compelling addition to the lineup. We’ll be covering all Rolex releases live from Watches & Wonders Geneva. Follow @everestbands on Instagram and subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date.